Recommended masterpieces and popular songs of Western electro-pop and synth-pop
Genres like electropop and synth-pop have a history spanning over 40 years.
If you start digging into their connections with so-called techno and dance music—or even the differences between electropop and synth-pop to begin with—you’ll find there’s no end to it.
Setting that historical background aside for now, we’ve researched and curated a wide-ranging selection of classic and contemporary electropop and synth-pop tracks from Western music, all centered around catchy, pop-oriented melodies!
You might even notice how genres connect across eras.
To music fans who are intrigued, we hope you’ll give it a read.
Recommended and Popular Western Electropop/Synth-pop Masterpieces (1–10)
Computer LoveKraftwerk
Kraftwerk is a representative group of Krautrock, the experimental music genre that emerged mainly in West Germany from the 1960s to the 1970s, and they are the pioneers and forefathers of techno.
Their achievements can’t be summed up in a few sentences; they are a monumental group that has had a profound impact not only on music but on various arts.
Their classic 1981 track “Computer Love” unfolds a sound that can be considered a forerunner of technopop and electropop.
It’s amazing how it never feels dated, no matter when you listen to it.
Later, in 2005, Coldplay quoted the song’s distinctive phrase in their track “Talk.”
FirefliesOwl City
When it comes to quintessential electro-pop and synth-pop hits of the 2000s, Owl City’s masterpiece “Fireflies,” the one-man project of Adam Young, surely comes to mind.
Released in 2009, many will remember how it became a massive hit not only in the United States but around the world, including Japan.
Originally active as an online musician and already well known among dedicated music fans, Owl City reached mainstream audiences thanks to this song.
Its colorful, sparkling timbres make it a first-rate pop track, and be sure to pay attention to the lyrics as well, which depict Adam’s uniquely introspective world.
Blue Monday 88New Order
Including their former band Joy Division, New Order’s career is one of the most important in British music history, and it’s indispensable when discussing the history of electropop and synth-pop.
Their innovative sound, which has had a tremendous influence not only in Europe and the U.
S.
but also on Japanese artists, feels of its time yet reveals something fresh with every listen.
One of their signature tracks and a massive hit is Blue Monday.
The original version was released in 1983, and a version remixed by the maestro Quincy Jones was re-released in 1988.
In terms of the fusion of techno and rock, it can rightly be called a historic classic.
West End GirlsPet Shop Boys
Since their formation in 1981, Pet Shop Boys have continued to perform as an unshakable two-man duo, achieving great success around the world.
Centered on Neil Tennant’s clear, pure vocals and accessible synth-pop to electro-pop, they have continued to produce many classic songs.
Their memorable debut single was West End Girls.
In Japan, many people probably remember it as the song used in the Suzuki Cultus GT-i commercial.
In fact, the track didn’t sell at all when it was first released; it only became a massive hit after being re-released in a different version.
It’s fun to compare the different versions and hear the differences!
Take Yourself HomeTroye Sivan
TROYE SIVAN is a new-generation pop star: born in South Africa and raised in Australia, he not only has formidable talent as a singer-songwriter, but also works as an actor with his handsome features and striking physique, drawing keen attention from the fashion world as well.
His track “Take Yourself Home,” released in April 2020, was originally planned for release in the latter half of the 2020s.
In light of the recent turbulent social climate, the decision was made to release it unexpectedly.
It’s a beautiful masterpiece where gentle acoustic guitar tones blend in perfect balance with elements of modern electropop and synth-pop, and he has said it’s “one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written.” Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics, which are infused with Troye’s feelings.
Take a WalkPassion Pit
Passion Pit, who debuted in the late 2000s, are renowned as a leading band in synth-pop and electropop.
As of 2020, the project is active as a solo endeavor by its central figure, Michael Angelakos.
The song being introduced here, Take a Walk, was released in 2012 and became a hit single, earning a Gold certification in the United States.
While it’s a quintessential track of theirs—adorned with colorful sounds and filled with bittersweet melodies—the lyrics are quite serious.
Be sure to explore the deeper meaning embedded in the words.
Personal JesusDepeche Mode
When it comes to bands that achieved major commercial success in the New Wave scene that erupted in the late ’70s, the first name that comes to mind is Depeche Mode.
Since their formation in 1980, they’ve remained at the forefront of the music world for many years despite facing numerous troubles.
Their 1989 release and hit, “Personal Jesus,” masterfully fuses freewheeling electronic sounds with a blues-rock-style riff, making it a standout track whose distinctive sensibility sets it apart from straightforward electropop.
Later on, Marilyn Manson delivered a cover that stays largely faithful to the original.
Be sure to compare the two!